The thickness of the wool is directly correlated to its durability level, and factors such as quality of production and materials can also affect the durability of a garment. It's also not the warmest in our list, but the inside is made of a lovely soft brushed fabric, and the deep funnel neck with fleece lining does keep the chill out well (note: that's only on the women's version the men's cut has a lower neckline). Merino wool has come a long way in terms of durability particularly considering merino wool/polyester blends. Sometimes, Merino wool can be a touch itchy. Alongside warmth, it is arguably the most important quality of an effective base layer. This is a sweatshirt style layer, so it's not super tight fitting. For those who work in extremely cold conditions or who normally run on the chilly side you may want to seek out those tops that favor pure warmth over breathability. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We tested men's base layers from Smartwool, Patagonia, Black Diamond, and more to find the warmest and most comfortable options. Are you ready to trade in the dimpled cotton long johns of Ladies, are you seeking a new base layer top? Underarm gussets, combined with the partial spandex construction, certainly improve the reach and general movement of the REI Lightweight Crew. This highly technical, highly breathable, ultra-lightweight layer is able to easily withstand normal abrasion, rips, and tears, yet it is as soft next-to-skin as merino wool. The boys all wore different weights of merino wool baselayers on this climb up Mt. No matter where it comes from physically or metaphorically a top's ability to dry quickly on the body is important. It does this by using fleecy grid squares in the material which, when covered by a windproof shell trap air and provide excellent insulation, but when uncovered the gaps between the grid allow moving air to go straight to the skin, promoting cooling, making the Grid Technic an especially good option for ski tourers and backcountry aficionados. By testing and rating each of these layers relative to one another, we can highlight which score highest in the metrics that are significant for how you intend to use it. But these design features can also keep your top from rising up and exposing your back and belly when bending over to put on your climbing skins or reaching for that next crimper when climbing. However, when it comes to breathability and drying out during activity, silk falls far behind rival synthetic materials. With the benefits of increased breathability, you will sacrifice of a bit of warmth don't expect this layer to be quite as warm as other 250 g/m options included in this review. Add to that an ergonomic cut with flatlock seams for chafe-free, free moving comfort and the Bora is well worth checking out. Not surprisingly, the tops that earn our highest scores for breathability are also made from the lightest weight fabrics. Though soft, the Merino wool is slightly itchy at first and takes some breaking in (read: responsible washing and drying) before it is snuggly-comfy. The broad consensus is that merino wool is, generally speaking, less durable than synthetic fabrics. The stretch and articulated design of the Black Diamond Solution makes it an ideal alpine first layer. Struggling in this category is the Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe, with a tight neck, super short torso, and thick sleeve cuffs. The fabric is both moisture wicking and quick drying and comes with anti-microbial treatment to prevent odours, and nice little touches such as thumbhole cuffs to keep your hands that bit warmer all add up to a top-quality top; and it matches nicely with the Lhotse leggings. While the REI Silk Crew is awkwardly baggy, its sheer construction allows it to layer easily underneath practically anything, including heavier-weight options. Our company has made one of the best approaches towards customers that we supply premier quality products. Keeping us comfortable even when we're working up a sweat in warm fall temps in Eldo Canyon, Spectra fabric is the most durable on the market. The Patagonia Capilene Air proving its versatility, keeping us cool and comfortable in the fall Utah Sun. Merino wool tops are typically more expensive and bulkier but offer benefits like superior body-temperature regulation, moisture-wicking ability, and odor resistance. We appreciate the fit of the Icebreaker 200 Oasis, the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight, and the NW Alpine Spectra. Looser, more relaxed fitting tops that layer well over another lightweight shirt are the Smartwool Merino 250 and the Meriwool Midweight Thermal. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Fit should be snug but not too tight; you want your base layer to move with you comfortably rather than restricting movement due to being too tight, whilst if it's too loose it can ruck up and become uncomfortable. This means that wool can be worn more and washed less, increasing its longevity. Please refresh the page and try again. Depending on the situation, a great base layer will effectively work to keep you dry and warm, or dry and cool, depending on how it's designed. Durability is a characteristic that we search for in all of our outdoor gear. This may be the toughest metric to rate because comfort and fit are ultimately subjective and are different for everyone's preferences and body type. The Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight is one top that slept comfortably (if you tend to sleep on the warmer side) and carried us right through the heat of the day. The Ortovox 185 Rock'N'Wool is similarly weighted to the Solution and is very similar in terms of offering a nice middle ground to split the seasons. To test abrasion resistance in a controlled environment, we grind the elbows of the fabric a set number of times across a one-foot distance of gritty sandstone to see how the fabrics fair (think wash-board technique). This layer performs well in a wide range of temperatures, allowing you to quickly transition from static cold to high-exertion, all while staying warm, dry, and comfortable. Choosing a layer that balances active drying and warmth is crucial for sports like backcountry skiing. Does it glide against your skin or cling too tightly? These are the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight, NW Alpine Spectra, Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew, and both of Outdoor Research's options: the Alpine Onset and Echo L/S. No longer do mountain athletes have to sacrifice durability to save weight, nor do they have to substitute comfort for performance. The Smartwool 250 rules in these environments. By submitting them to the wear-and-tear of everyday use and a variety of outdoor activities across a spectrum of temperatures and environments, we are best able to dial in which types of layers work best in what situations. Roland holds a degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and has guided rivers, backpacking, and climbing for 12 years throughout the US and Central America. Models like the Icebreaker 200 Oasis and the REI Lightweight Crew have a drop-tail hem. In our abrasion tests, we could barely get this top to show signs of wear. Our latest Finding the right UPF sun shirt can be a challenge. It's made mostly from super-smooth merino wool, with panels of ultrathin Nuyarn fabric from wrist to flank via that vital underarm zone. Investing in one of the best base ski layers can make a huge difference to your comfort levels on the slopes. Repair when possible. The Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight long-sleeve is a great option for warm-weather backpacking. (It's even reasonably priced enough to appeal to truck-dwelling climber types.). The balance between price and value is a fine line to walk when researching a product. Alpine adventures require that your clothing doesn't hold you back when the situation means you have to make that move. Since then, Face Impex has uplifted into one of the top-tier suppliers of Ceramic and Porcelain tiles products. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. This top is one of the few midweight layers we tested that is exceptionally breathable for its weight. This seems reasonable, as we have to agitate and compress the wool layers while submerged for the fibers to become saturated a plus if you are planning to wear these layers standalone in wetter, more mild climates. We assess each layer's breathability systematically to back up our findings after months of use hiking, running, skiing, climbing, and biking. Let us know! The only full button-up long-sleeve overshirt that's also a base layer, it's made from a blend of merino wool and yak wool from the Himalayas, which produces an impressive softness against the skin. There's also a women's version (opens in new tab). It's worth addressing that the drying speed of a fabric can differ depending on whether it is being worn or left out to dry. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. If you want to make a statement with your skiwear, head to Dope Snow, which has a range of cool base layer tops and bottoms to choose from. The Outdoor Research Echo L/S is one of the most valuable synthetic layers on the market today. Base layers should adhere to the same purchasing ethics that we apply (or should apply) to all of our consuming habits. If you're value-minded but tend to run colder, add a little warmth with an all-natural option like the Meriwool Thermal Midweight, a 100% merino wool layer that is very reasonably priced compared to its direct competition. How are the cuffs? The SmartWool Intraknit is impressively warm for its weight. From the ski slopes to alpine climbs to sleeping out under the stars, our in-depth analysis derives from real-world adventures undertaken while wearing each model. It is not just about simple heat retention but rather the complex system of thermoregulation. How can we improve GearLab? Making our way down from the summit of Mt. We are exporting the best and premium quality porcelain slab tiles, glazed porcelain tiles, ceramic floor tiles, ceramic wall tiles, 20mm outdoor tiles, wooden planks tiles, subway tiles, mosaics tiles, countertop to worldwide. We fully saturate all of the products and then lay them out to dry at the same time, recording the time it takes for each layer to surface dry, as well as the time it takes for them to dry completely. There's the option of a plain or printed design, not that it matters much given that they're under your ski pants, but who knows when you might find it necessary to reveal your underwear? Early bird gets the worm, or a summit bid all to ourselves in this case. Growing up on the Atlantic coastline and living up and down the Rocky Mountains for more than a decade, he knows all about making the most out of cold-weather playtime. Not only is this uncomfortable, but when you stop exercising any moisture held in your base layer will become cold and in extreme conditions can even contribute to hypothermia. For our review, we identify six key metrics as essential to effectively grade a base layer top: Warmth, Breathability, Comfort/Fit, Drying Speed, Durability, and Layering Ability. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. It's not the most important thing, but we're also big fans of the sporty cut, with low turtleneck, and contrast detailing. The Outdoor Research Echo L/S is the perfect top for long trail runs, or any heart-pumping activity through the warmer parts of shoulder seasons, or just chilly summer mornings. Breathability is tied mainly to the moisture-wicking capability of a fabric. Cue the lightweight Artilect A/SYS-1 Flatiron 185 Crew LS, which at 185 gsm is relatively thin, so perfectly built for being active in cold conditions. The comfiest layers are the Patagonia Capilene Air, SmartWool Merino 250, Ortovox 185 Rock'N'Wool, and the Outdoor Research Alpine Onset. All of these ingredients are essential to a layer's ability to keep you warm and dry through a range of temperatures. Read review: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino. It's a plain and simple piece of clothing, but it's also probably the most important part of any layering system. It's perfect for climbers, runners, or really anyone who spends much of their summertime out in the sun. Not only can a sopping top severely inhibit your ability to find happiness and joy, but it can also be downright dangerous under the right conditions. A high quality merino wool base layer, like the Meriwool Midweight Thermal, is an investment in your comfort. The Bora is manufactured from a mix of 68% bamboo viscose/28% organic cotton/4% elastane and as such is naturally breathable, temperature regulating, anti-bacterial and moisture wicking as well as being a lighter, vegan alternative to merino wool that is also sustainable. Subscribe in print, digital, or a great-value bundle. What you can't see is that our buddy is climbing in a puffy, while we had no problem hanging out for long-belays in the shade. This climb is a true test of a base layer. Thinner base layers, like the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight, are designed to keep you dry and comfortable at skin level. The chances are you use a neck warmer when skiing to help keep the wind chill at bay. Despite all of the advances this top is making in the world of base layers, it still falls victim to some common pitfalls of full synthetics even casual efforts leave this top smelling as if you just pushed for an FKT. Breathability is the yin to warmth's yang. Then we develop appropriate tests to carry out in the field and lab to test each metric individually. We prefer tops with sleeves that don't tend to creep up our arms, and ones with a longer torso that avoids the always undesirable belly exposure. Luckily, we've got the scoop on how to nail your layering system, from underwear to outerwear. Merino wool claims that it can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture before feeling wet to the touch. Is it soft, itchy, stretchy, static, warm, or cool? GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Yet in our abrasion test, the thick fabric of the SmartWool Merino 250 Crew displays only surface wear. The shortest path to the grave for both merino wool and silk is through tumble drying. Casual alpine cows. The well-articulated seam patterns of the Outdoor Research Echo L/S and Black Diamond Solution pull seams down from the shoulders where they often rub under the weight of a backpack and both tops add an extra side panel for increased upper-body mobility. It also involves wicking away sweat to keep you dry and protected from evaporative cooling. Our drying speed test is a simple one. Durability is paramount for base layers that are going to pull double-duty as standalone shirts for rugged activities like mountain biking. The breathability of a garment is determined by how quickly and efficiently a fabric can convert sweat to free water vapor. If you're looking for a technical, lightweight base layer that won't break the bank, have a look at the Outdoor Research Echo L/S. Are there gusseted underarms, purposeful stitching patterns, or articulated zones to help freedom of movement? We try our best to give as subjective of an opinion as possible when considering all the factors that play into a layer's comfort and fit. We're only human, so we often gravitated toward tops that are soft and comfortable next-to-skin. How are the lengths of the torso and sleeves - does it expose your belly and wrists when reaching up? As mentioned above, the REI Silk Crew dries lightning-fast, closely followed by the Outdoor Research Echo L/S and the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight. The Finisterre Bora isn't the warmest of the base layers we tested, but as a super-comfortable, year-round item it's a great option. This 150 g/m option strikes a nice balance between mid- and lightweight, offering more versatility to wear as the season transitions from frigid winter temps to sunny spring riding. Though it is a versatile, lightweight option, the Spectra won't provide you with any of the insulation you may need to make it through the coldest days of winter. We also drag them up against rocks, roll them in the dirt, bushwack through manzanita and chaparral to get to beautiful places, and subject them to merciless amounts of washing and drying cycles. Heres why you can trust us. We note how easy they layer as well as how they fit and feel: next to skin, over a t-shirt, over another base layer, under a sticky and tight fleece mid-layer, a sweatshirt, a puffy, a rain shell, as well as stacked in a full layering system of first (base) layer, mid-layer, puffy, and hard shell. It's also pleasingly long in the arm and body, so you won't end up with a gap for drafts to get in. We also aren't impressed with the Smartwool Intraknit 200 Crew's fit, which has unusually long arms, uncomfortably narrow shoulders, and tight-fitting biceps. You may be surprised to discover that you actually don't have to pay an arm and a leg for a superb Merino wool top. These tops consist of thicker, cushy fabrics that seal in heat while maintaining excellent breathability and moisture-wicking abilities. The Merino 250 Crew (and all other merino tops we tested) requires special care when laundering to ensure the garment's longevity. Outdoor educator and guide Roland Mott also adds experience and expertise to this review. Its nearly see-through fabric allows for air to pass through it with ease making it extremely versatile for conditions ranging from super cold when layered, to warm weather as a stand-alone layer. The relative lack of warmth comes from it having short sleeves, of course, but on the other hand this along with the non-technical look means you can wear it just as readily in the middle of summer as in the middle of winter. The added UPF 15 treatment not only helps protect your skin but also increases the longevity of this already durable crew neck. We understand that the individual metrics that are important to some folks may not be as important to others. Looking for the best ski jacket? Not so with the Falke Trend base layer, which is the softest ski base layer we've tried. As a bonus you also get optional thumb loops in the wrists to minimise gaps and maximise warmth. Does the fabric have stretch? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This top is not only versatile as a standalone shirt for activities like running, but it performs impressively well as a technical base layer. The fit is clingy but super stretchy, so you'll be able to move completely freely. Ski patrollers are up and working hard well-before first chair (perks of the job.) No sponsored content. Our guide to the best ski base layers includes both tops and bottoms, and all are designed specifically to wear on the slopes. Our lead tester is 5'10" and 160lbs, wearing a size medium. As expected with natural fibers, this top will begin to slouch and sag a bit through consistent wear. This fabric holds an uncanny power to resist body odor, whereas synthetic fabrics are infamous for holding onto and sometimes even enhancing stink. Face Impex is one of the Face group of companies that begin in 2006. Is the neck comfortable? If you'll be wearing this top to scrape through slot canyons and drag yourself up rock chimneys, then durability is probably a quality you'll want to think about first. This specific test gives us a very clear idea of how certain tops will hold up to abrasion. While all of these layers perform well next to skin, a few work great layered in other ways, too. This superior performance does come at a cost. There's no zip so if you do overheat there's no way out, though its torso uses a 100% merino wool layer that successfully wicks away moisture. The ability to layer well is an often overlooked consideration but is important for practical use in the outdoors. When the fabric becomes completely saturated, this top is comparatively slow to dry. He has also taught land stewardship and environmental ethics as a Master Educator for the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Our expert for all things comfortable and cozy is Aaron Rice. Other factors that contribute to staying power are flatlock seams, which you will find featured on the majority of the layers in this review. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. It is important to note that the scores we assign are determined relative to the other products in the review. Whatever fabric you go for it's essential that it has good wicking qualities this enables the individual fibres in the material to transport moisture away from your body (and ideally out through your breathable outer garments) so you don't end up bathed in sweat especially important for high energy activities such as ski touring. While we wish that the ActiveFresh odor control did a better job of keeping us smelling fresh, the Echo's small pack size and quick dry time mean we're still going to bring it along on our next expedition trip, no matter the climate. And finally, think about how your base layers look since once the action on the mountain is over you may find yourself in a bar where you presumably want to look reasonably stylish once you warm up and decide to strip down to your skivvies (this doesn't necessarily apply to your bottom half). If you plan to push hard uphill whether it's running, ski touring, biking, or climbing you will benefit from the performance of the Outdoor Research Echo L/S. As a bit of an outlier, the Patagonia Capilene Air continues to impress with its unique ability to masterfully balance warmth and breathability. We wore these layers through the varying temperatures of fall and winter to test every quality that results in you successfully staying warm and dry. Base layer, fleece mid layer, soft shell, and down puffy. The REI Silk Crew, with its ultra-lightweight design, had the fastest flat drying time. But if you're always going to wear such a garment then you could just have it built into your base layer. There are some specific features that we've found to help keep us warm and may help you narrow your search for the perfect base layer. In fact, most manufacturers indicate that their wool layers are not dryer safe and instead suggest lying the garments flat to dry. A good base layer should trap heat to keep you warm in cold temperatures and also allow excess heat to escape when your heart rate climbs and body temperatures rise. Since it lies next to your skin, any ski base layer obviously needs to be soft and warm. To test durability, we inspect the strength of the fabrics and the quality of the stitching and construction of the pieces as a whole. When that's not possible, opt for post-consumer products many of the polyester layers included in this review are at least made in some part with recycled fibers. Both tend to wear holes through quickly and/or shrink and lose their shape after repeated washings. On the shoulders, wrists and on the insides of the arms you'll find Helly Hansen's LIFA Stay Warm fabric to help you stay cool. But based on our collective experience, we do expect a strong correlation between drying speeds and breathability that is, tops that dry faster on the clothesline also tend to dry faster on our bodies. If you are looking for a layer that better suits highly aerobic activities or you want versatility across seasons, you will likely benefit from choosing a lighter-weight layer that is designed to breathe a bit better. As the heaviest 100% merino layer top we tested, this top is designed specifically with snow sports in mind. Complete your outfit with one of the best ski jackets and a pair of the best ski pants. But for the sake of producing quality reviews, alas, we must decide from time to time what materials are the best for certain situations. Alf Alderson is an adventure travel writer and outdoor gear reviewer who splits his time between the Pembrokeshire coast and the French Alps, where he is an 'ambassador' for the ski resort of Les Arcs. There are a few different options in this range, in different styles, if the full button-up style isn't for you. That makes this base layer feel particularly sleek when skiing, with Nuyarn a lightweight yet strong fabric that's studded with tiny eyelets to make it breathable. Secondly, we consider how the garment generally fits: Is it too loose, too tight, does it constrict in particular areas like the shoulders? Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. This top has a raglan-style cut, with flatlock seams that isolate the shoulders and back from the torso. GearLab is reader-supported. The men's Yardang Shirt is unique in being a performance base-layer that's also a shirt good looking enough to wear away from the slopes. Despite being pricey, its value will be apparent to guides and ski bums alike particularly because you can actually get away with wearing this layer for multiple days, as our testers proved. For some lightweight tops like the Outdoor Research Alpine Onset, a blend of synthetic fibers and all-natural merino wool means that this crew will offer more warmth than its weight suggests. Unlike its synthetic competitors, it somehow manages to be very acceptable stench-wise after many days between washes. When the going gets steep, this layer kicks into gear by efficiently wicking moisture away from our body, keeping us dry and happy all day. All trademarks property of their respective owners If a layer excels in all other categories but fits you poorly or is uncomfortable, it won't serve you in your quest to send. Ladies, we've got you covered, too check out our women's base layer review here. Thank you for signing up to T3. Synthetic fabrics tend to be less expensive, a touch more durable, and pack down smaller. Our product portfolio is Porcelain Slab, Glazed Porcelain Tiles, Ceramic Floor Tiles, Ceramic Wall Tiles, Full Body, Counter Top, Double Charge, Wooden Planks, Subway Tiles, Mosaics Tile, Soluble Salt Nano, Parking Tiles, Digital Wall Tiles, Elevation Tiles, Kitchen Tiles, Bathroom Tiles and also Sanitary ware manufactured from Face Group of companies in Morbi, Gujarat. We're not totally sure why Falke has added an L and R to the outside wrists, but we guess it'll be helpful for anyone who's not clear on their left and right. For cross-country and backcountry skiing, we would opt for the lightweight layers that still offer a bit of warmth, like the NW Alpine Spectra, or the Outdoor Research Alpine Onset. It simply means that it performed poorly in relation to the competition. An intensely warm top that doesn't breathe well may work for ice fishing, but it will likely leave you dangerously wet and cold during high-output activities like backcountry skiing. Visit our corporate site. Going for a long lunch and a generously long aprs ski is what makes hitting the slopes each winter so much fun. Couple that with a slim, stylish fit, and you have a layer you can take from the mountain straight to aprs-ski. Buy quality. It is the perfect companion for cool-weather camping during the shoulder seasons, works well for both resort and backcountry skiing, and is certainly a stylish top to be worn casually. Here's our review, Rumoured indoor 'cinewhoop' FPV model from DJI was predicted for later this month, Travel light with Sierra Designs' High Route 1, a featherweight one-person backpacking tent that skips traditional poles and uses your trekking poles for support instead, Classic outdoor boots now even more off-road friendly, Space-grade engineering cameras are too lo-res, too expensive, and take too long to develop, and it might be good news for the DJI Air 2S too, T3 is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. But, of course, there are exceptions to this rule. We scrutinize each layer and ask the following questions: How does the fabric feel next to your skin? In addition, stretch fabric for comfort, a zipped neck for additional temperature control, thumb loops and plain good looks make the Paramo Grid Technic well worth checking out. Beyond these small critiques, the Meriwool Midweight Thermal presents a reasonable entry-point into all-natural base layers. Is it loose, letting cold air draft in like a barn door, or is it too tight? That said, they try to be careful to hang dry them and not wear them every single day (they are certainly comfortable enough to want to do just that in the winter). We'd like to help! The Smartwool Merino 250 looks great and not only works brilliantly as a base layer but it also looks stylish enough to wear as an all-purpose next-to-skin garment. We've tested everything from long underwear and warm fleece jackets to synthetically insulated and down jackets to keep you toasty. It excels in practically any cool- or cold-weather activity, from resort skiing to winter alpine ascents to hanging on chilly mornings on desert climbing or rafting trips. The Lhotse leggings go well with Picture's Nangha top and are made out of the same eco-friendly materials, which feature a high performance recycle polyester blend of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibres for excellent wicking. We test each layer side-by-side in a temperature-controlled, indoor environment, and use the same short, rigorous exercise routine to work up a sweat. Hood. For metrics such as warmth, testing is as straightforward as wearing the garments in cold weather often and noting the relative differences. Other metrics, like durability, call for a combination of field use (i.e., chimney climbing and bushwhacking) and lab testing (repeated dry and wash cycles and an abrasion test.) The job demands a base layer that is able to insulate against frigid, pre-dawn temperatures, and thermoregulate to keep you dry enough to work all daythe perfect job for the SmartWool Merino 250.